As much as 75 percent of people with asthma experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD involves the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This acid fluid irritates the lining of the esophagus and throat. Asthma and GERD have a relationship that is not fully understood. Compared to people without asthma, people with asthma are twice as likely to have GERD.
Connections
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is a connection between asthma and GERD. This connection has not been explained in research. Asthma medications aggravate GERD symptoms, increasing the backflow of stomach acid. However, acid reflux medicine helps improve asthma symptoms. Acid reflux tends to worsen asthma symptoms by causing inflammation to the interior of the esophagus. The inflammation may affect the trachea, causing difficult breathing. Medication that reduces acid reflux will consequently reduce esophagus inflammation.
A few explanations for this connection have become prominent in medicine. Airway lining can damage due to acidic flow erosion. Consequently, breathing becomes difficult due to airway damage. Another possibility involves airway constriction from a nerve reflex. Acid fluids entering the esophagus activate the nerve reflex.
Timing
One indication that GERD can cause asthma is timing. The Cleveland Clinic explains how doctors have time cues to connect GERD and asthma. One time cue is onset of asthma. If a patient first experiences asthma in adulthood, then GERD may be a cause. Another cue is symptoms experienced throughout the day. If asthma symptoms are worse at night, or after a meal or exercise, then asthma may be linked to GERD.
Treatment and Prevention
Treating GERD symptoms may also alleviate asthma symptoms. Particles of stomach acid irritate the epiglottis and may pass through into the airway. The irritated tissue leads to difficulty breathing. Therefore, using over-the-counter or prescription medications to decrease stomach acid production improves breathing.
One preventive measure for asthma with GERD involves sleeping in a slightly elevated position. Gravity returns the backflow of acidic fluid to the stomach. Another preventive method for people with asthma and GERD includes avoiding tobacco smoke. Smoking increases acid reflux. Diet also has an affect on GERD. Reducing stomach acid production occurs through avoiding certain foods such as coffee, peppermint, high-fat foods, alcohol, tea, chocolate, tomatoes and acidic fruit juices.
Causes
The relationship between asthma symptoms and GERD may involve a nerve reflex. This nerve reflex, when activated by stomach acid, constricts the airways. Another cause could be damage to the airway from acidic fluids. The degradation of tissue may make breathing difficult.
